Hosiery package



July 28, 1964 J. E. GARROU HOSIERY PACKAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 30, 1959 INVENTOR JAME$ E. GARRoU,

ATTORNEYS J. E- GARROU HOSIERY PACKAGE Jul 28, 19 4 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 30 1959 JAMES E. \GARROU,

m Wham lm m M WM fim M i 5 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS July 28, 1964 .1. E- GARROU HOSIERY PACKAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 30 1959 INVENTOR. JAMES E. Gmazou MMW July 28, 1964 'J. E. GARROU HOSIERY PACKAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 50, 1959 INVENTOR: JAMES E. G ARRO ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,142,379 HQSIERY FACKAGE James E. Garrou, Valdese, NA), assignor to Alba- Waldensian, Inc a corporation of Delaware Filed July 30, 1959, Ser. No. 830,643 11 Claims. Cl. 206-78) The present invention relates generally to an improved display package for hosiery and more particularly to a package for supporting the same as they are displayed for the consumer.

The present hosiery display package is an improvement over the insert type packages presently used. The present insert type hosiery display packages are used primarily for displaying half-hose or socks and comprise a relatively stiff cardboard, or the like, insert which is shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the foot and leg portions of the sock. The socks are placed on the insert in slightly stretched condition, either singly or in pairs with one sock inside the other. Most insert type packages are foldable along a transverse line located substantially at the heel pocket and the foot portion is folded upwardly into juxtaposition with the leg portion of the stocking. This type of package requires some means of holding the folded form and sock together and in most cases, a rider ticket or label is adhesively secured to the upper end of the package to hold the toe and the top of the socket together. The rider ticket is usually imprinted with information, such as the brand name, price, etc. In some cases, encircling bands of paper are applied to the folded sock and insert to supply additional information and further aid in holding the package in folded condition. When the paper band encloses the entire lower portion of the package, they are referred to as diaper bands and this type of band also serves to protect the sock package at its fold line.

There are several disadvantages when an insert package of the above-described type is used. When the foot portion is folded into juxtaposition with the leg portion of the sock, one side of the leg portion of the sock and any design or pattern thereon is completely concealed by the foot and toe portion of the sock. The adhesive rider ticket at the top of the package can come loose and the package will unfold. Also, the use of encircling bands and the like increase the cost of producing the sock package and these bands make placement of the package difficult since they may snag against each other and become torn when the sock packages are stacked in boxes, arranged for display or otherwise moved.

With the foregoing remarks in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved insert type hosiery or sock package which requires no external fastening means such as encircling bands, rider tickets or the like to hold the package together.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an insert type sock display package in which both sides of the leg portion of the sock are exposed to view and at least the leg portion of the socks is maintained in slightly stretched condition on the insert.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an insert type display package of the type described wherein a minimum amount of insert material may be utilized and the socks may be economically placed on the forms or inserts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an insert type sock display package of the type described wherein each side of the package is identical and provides full view of one side of the patterned leg of the socks.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide an insert type sock package in which the insert substantially conforms to the shape and length of the leg portion only of the socks to be displayed thereon and ice the toe and foot portions of the socks are disposed inside of the leg portion of the socks and out of view when the package is displayed.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- FIGURE 1 is an elevation of a first form of insert for use in forming a sock package in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 with the lower tabs folded upwardly and a pair of socks, one inside of the other, with their toe and foot portions disposed on one side of the insert;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 except showing opposite sides of the insert folded into juxtaposition whereby the toe and foot portion of the pair of socks is sandwiched therebetween.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view through the leg portion of the pair of socks, being taken substantially along the line 44 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevation of the completed sock package the rear elevation being identical to the front elevation;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevation of the sock package look ing at the right-hand edge of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a bottom view of the sock package shown in FIGURE 5 illustrating the manner in which the foot and toe portions of the sock are disposed inside of the leg portions and between the pair of insert forms;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 8--8 in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 9 is an elevation of a modified form of insert which may be used to form a sock package in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a view similar to FIGURE 9 except showing the foot and toe portions of a pair of socks positioned on each side of the insert form, preparatory to being formed into a sock package;

FIGURE 11 is another modified form of insert which may be used to form a sock package in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a view of the insert shown in FIGURE 11 with the same folded to enclose one sock of a pair and the toe and foot portions of the other sock therein;

FIGURE 13 is a front elevation of the completed sock package with the leg portion of one of the socks enveloping the major portion of the insert;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view through the sock and insert and being taken substantially along the line 1414 in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is an elevation of still another modified form of insert which may be used to form a sock package in accordance with the present invention and showing the toe and foot portion of a sock positioned thereon;

FIGURE 16 is a completed sock package, utilizing the single unfolded insert shown in FIGURE 15 with the leg portion of the socks enveloping the major portion of the insert and the toe and foot portions disposed inside of the leg portions;

FIGURE 17 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 1717 in FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 18 is still another modified form of insert which may be used to form a sock package in accordance with the present invention; wherein a pair of unconnected insert panels are utilized;

FIGURE 19 is a front elevation of the sock package in partially assembled condition with the insert panels positioned in juxtaposition with the toe and foot portions of a pair of socks positioned therebetween;

FIGURE 20 is a front elevation of a finished sock package showing the leg portion of the socks enveloping the separated insert panels and the toe and foot portions thereof; and

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 21-21 in FIGURE 20.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGURES 1 through 8, the sock display package includes an elongated insert, broadly indicated at It). The insert 10 in the first form of invention shown in FIGURES 1 through 8, includes interconnected insert panels 11 and 11a hingedly connected along a fold line 12 (FIGURES l and 2). The insert panels 11 and 11a are identical to each other and when folded into juxtaposition, they mate. The insert panels 11 and 11a have corresponding outwardly extending tabs 13 and 13a hingedly connected to the lower edges of the respective panels 11 and 11a along respective fold lines 14 and 14a. It will be noted in FIGURE 3 that when the insert panels 11 and 11a are folded into juxtaposition, the insert 10 is substantially the same length and width as the leg portion of a mans half hose or sock (FIGURES 3 and However, it is preferred that the size of the insert be large enough to maintain the leg portion of the sock in slightly stretched condition.

Referring to FIGURE 1, it will be noted that the insert panels 11 and 1111 are provided with corresponding upwardly extending identifying tabs 15 and 15a which are adapted to extend above the top of the socks when placed on the insert, in a manner to be later described. The identifying tabs 15, 15a are provided with suitable identifying indicia or printed matter, indicated at 16, and 16a, respectively. The printed matter 16 and 16a may be printed directly on the cardboard of which the insert panels 11 and 11a are formed or it may be printed on separate paperstock and adhesively attached to the identifying tabs 15 and 15a of the insert panels 11 and 11a. The identifying indicia 16 and 1611 may provide information as to the fiber content of the socks, cost, size, etc. The insert panels 11 and 11a are provided with respective restricted portions or notches 17 and 17a cut in opposite side edges of the panels 11 and 11a to form shoulders for supporting the top of the socks positioned thereon in a manner to be later described.

There are several ways in which the socks may be placed on the insert panels 11 and 11a for display. In one method of displaying the socks, one sock indicated broadly at S is placed inside of another identical sock, indicated broadly at 8-1 (FIGURES 3 and 4). The socks S and 8-1 may be placed one inside the other by any suitable means such as by placing one of the socks on a boarding form and then drawing the other sock over the first sock. The socks are turned wrong-side out when they are placed one inside the other, for reasons to be later explained. The tabs 13 and 13a are then folded upwardly along the hinge lines 14 and 14a and against the respective panels 11 and 11a. The pair of socks are then laid on the insert panel 11, as shown in FIGURE 2, with the foot portion, indicated at F, positioned on the panel 11 and the leg portion, indicated at L extending below the same. The panel 110 is folded along the hinge line 12 into juxtaposition with the panel 11 so that the foot portion F, including the toe pocket and substantially half of the heel pocket, is sandwiched between the panels 11 and 11a while the leg portion L, including the remainder of the heel pocket and the top extends outwardly from the insert to occupy the position shown in FIG- URE 3.

The leg and top of the socks S and S1 are then turned inside out as they are drawn upwardly over the outer surfaces of the panels 11 and 11a to the position shown in FIGURE 5. Thus, the leg portions L of the socks S and 5-1 envelop both panels 11 and 11a of the insert 10 as well as the foot portion F of both socks, which is disposed between the panels 11 and 11a. Since the leg portions L of the socks S and S1 are turned inside out when they are drawn upwardly over the insert 10, the leg portion L of the sock S is positioned on the outside of the completed package. The tabs 13 and 13a, which were previously folded inwardly of the panels 11 and 11a, engage the foot portions F of the socks and aid in retaining them in the desired position between the panels 11 and 11a.

In the sock display package thus provided, the socks themselves hold the pair of hingedly connected insert panels together and since the tops of the socks grip the notches at opposite sides of the insert, the socks are firmly held in position on the insert. Thus, a pair of socks are supported for display on the insert without the use of gummed labels, riders, encircling bands and the like.

Referring to FIGURES 9 and 10, there is shown a modified form of insert, indicated broadly at 20, which is identical to the insert 10, shown in FIGURES 1 through 8, except that the insert 20 does not have the lower tabs hingedly connected to the insert panels 21 and 21a. The insert panels 21 and 21a are hingedly connected along a fold line 22 and have corresponding upwardly extending identifying tabs 25 and 25a provided at their upper ends. The identifying tabs 25 and 25a may be provided with identifying indicia 26 and 26a and opposite edges of the insert panels 21 and 210 are provided with notches 27 and 27a.

The socks may be placed on the insert 20 in the same manner as described for putting the socks on the insert 10, that is, by first placing one sock inside of the other. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to package the socks S and 8-1 without first placing one inside the other. This may be accomplished by placing the foot portions F of each of a pair of inside-out socks S and 8-1 on the respective insert panels 21 and 21a in substantially the position shown in FIGURE 10 whereby substantially half of the heel pockets and the leg portions L extend below the insert panels 21 and 21a. The panels 21 and 21a are then folded together so that the socks S and 5-1 are positioned in juxtaposition and the foot portions of both of these socks are sandwiched between the panels 21 and 21a. Then, the leg portion L of the sock S may be turned up so that it envelopes the insert panels 21 and 21a and the leg portion L of the sock S-1. Thus, the leg of the sock S will be turned right side out and envelop the leg of the sock S-l, both insert panels and the feet of both socks.

Referring to FIGURES 11 through 14, there is shown another modified form of insert indicated broadly at 30. The insert 30 includes insert panels 31 and 31a which are hingedly connected together along a fold line 32. The insert panel 31a is provided with a flap 38 hingedly connected to the insert panel 3111 along a fold line 39. The insert panels 31 and 31a have corresponding upwardly extending identifying tabs 35 and 35a provided at their upper ends. The identifying tabs 35 and 35a may be provided with identifying indicia 36 and 36a and opposite edges of the insert panels 31 and 31a are provided with notches 37 and 37a.

The pair of socks may be placed on the insert 30 in the same manner as described for putting the socks on either of the two preceding modified forms of insert, that is, where the socks are first placed one inside the other or where the socks are placed in juxta-position with the toe or foot portions extending between the insert form and then turning leg portion of one sock upwardly and over the insert to envelope the insert and the leg portion of the other sock. However, in some cases it may be desirable to package the socks on the insert without practicing either of these methods. One sock S-1 may be folded and placed on the insert panel 31a and the flap 38 then folded over to cover the folded sock 5-1. The foot portion F of an inside out sock S is then placed on the top of the flap 38 and the panel 31 folded over on top of the foot portion F of the sock S. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 12, one complete sock 8-1 is positioned between the panel 31a and the flap 38 while the foot portion F of the other sock S is positioned between the flap 38 and the panel 31 with the leg portion L extending downwardly therefrom. The leg portion L of the sock S is then turned upwardly to envelope the panels 31 and 31a and the complete sock S-l positioned therein.

Referring to FIGURES l5, l6 and 17, there is shown another modified form of insert, indicated broadly at 40, which comprises only a single insert panel 41. The insert panel 41 has the same configuration as the interconnected insert panels of the other modified forms of insert heretofore described, The insert panel 41 has an upwardly extending identifying tab 45 provided at its upper end and the identifying tab 45 is provided with identifying indicia 46, which may be applied to both sides thereof. Opposite edges of the insert panel 45 have notches 47 therein to support the top of the socks.

The socks may be placed on the insert 40 in the same manner as described for putting the socks on the inserts heretofore described, that is, the socks may first be placed one inside the other, they may be placed in juxtaposition before the leg of one sock is turned up over the insert or one sock may be folded and placed against one side of the insert panel 41 with the toe portion of the other sock being positioned thereagainst and the leg portion of that sock turned up to envelope the other sock and foot portion of the turned up sock. In the present instance, the socks are turned wrong side out and positioned one inside the other so that the sock S-1 envelopes the sock S as shown in FIGURE 15. The foot portions of the socks are placed against one side of the insert panel 41 and the leg portion L of the socks S and 3-1 are turned up over the insert panel 41 so that the leg portion L of the sock S envelopes the leg portion L of the sock 8-1, the foot portions F of both socks and the insert panel 41. With the packages completed, as shown in FIGURE 16, the top of the socks engages the notches 47 to support the same on the insert panel 41.

Referring to FIGURES 18 through 21, another modified form of insert broadly indicated at 50 is shown. In this instance, the insert 50 comprises a pair of separate insert panels 51 and 51a which are not hingedly connected together. The insert panels 51 and 51a have corresponding upwardly extending tabs 55 and 55a provided at their upper ends. The identifying tabs 55 and 55a may be provided with identifying indica 56 and 56a and opposite edges of the insert panels 51 and 51a are provided with notches 57 and 57a.

As shown in FIGURES l9 and 20, a pair of socks S and S-1 are turned wrong side out and placed one inside the other. The foot portions are then positioned between the insert panels 51 and 51a so that the leg portions L extend downwardly therefrom. The leg portions L are then turned upwardly over the insert panels 51 and 51a so tha the leg portions of the socks S and S1 are turned right side out and envelope the insert panels 51 and 51a as well as the foot portions of both socks which are held between the insert panels 51 and 51a (FIGURES 20 and 21).

Although all of the modified forms of insert shown in the drawings include an identifying tab extending upwardly therefrom, the identifying tab may be omitted from the inserts without departing from the principle of the invention. The sock display package of the present invention is shown in several modified forms and in all forms an insert panel is provided which is slightly larger than and conforms to the configuration of the leg portion of the socks to be displayed thereon. When the leg portion of a sock is positioned on the insert in accordance with the present invention, the leg portion envelopes the insert and the foot portion of the sock and may also envelop another complete sock, another insert panel and/or the leg and foot portions of another sock.

The sock display package of the present invention thus 6 provides a convenient means for displaying hosiery wherein the leg portion of the stocking is supported in slightly extended position on an insert with both sides of the leg portion visible and the foot portion disposed inside of the leg portion.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth several embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a sock having a foot portion and a leg portion, the foot portion of said sock sandwiched between said insert panels, and the leg portion of said sock enveloping said insert panels.

2. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a sock having a foot portion and a leg portion, each of said insert panels comprising a first portion shaped to correspond substantially to the leg portion of said sock, and an identifying tab extending from one end of said first portion, the foot portion of said sock sandwiched between the first portion of said insert panels, and the leg portion of said sock enveloping the first portion of said insert panels, and the identifying tabs of said insert panels extending out of the top of said sock.

3. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, aid pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, the foot portions of both of said socks disposed between said insert panels, and the leg portions of both of said socks enveloping said insert panels.

4. A sock display package comprising a pair of elongated insert panels formed of sheet material, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, the leg portion of the first of said socks disposed in slightly extended condition and surrounding said insert panels, the leg portion of the second of said socks disposed in slightly extended condition and surrounding the leg portion of the first of said socks, and the foot portions of both of said socks sandwiched between said insert panels and disposed inside of the leg portions thereof.

5. A sock display package comprising a pair of elongated insert panels formed of sheet material, a sock having a foot portion and a leg portion, each of said insert panels shaped to correspond substantially to the leg portion of the sock, said insert panels being hingedly interconnected along a fold line extending longitudinally of corresponding edges of said insert panels, the leg portion of said sock disposed in slightly extended condition and surrounding said insert panels, and the foot portion of said sock disposed between said insert panels and inside of the leg portion of said sock.

6. A sock display package comprising a pair of elongated insert panels formed of sheet material, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, each of said insert panels shaped to correspond substantially to the leg portion of the sock, said insert panels being hingedly interconnected along a fold line extending longitudinally of corresponding edges of said insert panels, the leg portion of the first of said socks disposed in slightly extended condition and surrounding said insert panels, the leg portion of the second of said socks disposed in slightly extended condition and surrounding the leg portion of the first of said socks, and the foot portions of both of said socks disposed inside of the leg portions thereof and being sandwiched between said insert panels.

7. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, the foot portion of one of said socks enveloping the foot portion of the other of said socks, the foot portions of both of said socks disposed between said insert panels, the leg portions of both of said socks enveloping said insert panels, and the leg portion of one of said socks enveloping the leg portion of the other of said socks.

8. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, the foot portion of one of said socks disposed between said insert panels, and the leg portion of said one sock enveloping said insert panels and the other sock.

9. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, one of said socks being folded so that the foot portion lies fiat against the leg portion and the complete sock is disposed between said panels, the foot portion of the other of said socks disposed between said insert panels, and the leg portion of said other sock enveloping said insert panels.

10. A sock display package comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, said panels being positioned in mating overlying relationship to each other, a pair of socks each having a foot portion and a leg portion, the foot portions of both of said socks disposed in side by side relation and between said insert panels, the leg portion of one of said socks lying against one of said insert panels, and the leg portion of the other 3 of said socks enveloping said insert panels and the leg portion of said one sock.

11. An insert adapted to be positioned inside hosiery for displaying the same, said insert comprising a pair of substantially identical elongated insert panels, each of said insert panels shaped to correspond substantially to the leg portion of the hosiery, said insert panels being hingedly interconnected along a fold line extending longitudinally of corresponding edges of said insert panels, a tab hingedly connected to an end of each of said insert panels, and the edges of each of said insert panels being notched adjacent the end opposite said first-mentioned end thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 587,354 Worrall Aug. 3, 1897 1,031,252 Dorsey July 2, 1912 1,603,923 Powers Oct. 19, 1926 2,116,481 Sweeney May 3, 1938 2,152,847 Helm Apr. 4, 1939 2,186,391 Pulitzer Jan. 9, 1940 2,537,417 Merske Jan. 9, 1951 2,742,149 Berry Apr. 17, 1956 2,748,930 Power June 5, 1956 2,773,340 McCarthy Dec. 11, 1956 2,868,371 Thorpe Jan. 13, 1959 2,917,163 Baker et al Dec. 15, 1959 2,936,881 Fulton May 17, 1960 3,099,353 Berry July 30, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS 562,742 Canada Sept. 5, 1958 684,428 Germany Nov. 28, 1939 

1. A SOCK DISPLAY PACKAGE COMPRISING A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL ELONGATED INSERT PANELS, SAID PANELS BEING POSITIONED IN MATING OVERLYING RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER, A SOCK HAVING A FOOT PORTION AND A LEG PORTION, THE FOOT PORTION OF SAID SOCK SANDWICHED BETWEEN SAID INSERT PANELS, AND THE LEG PORTION OF SAID SOCK ENVELOPING SAID INSERT PANELS. 